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This story of Bean’s first time at Valleyfair and my top 5 essentials for your next theme park visit is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.
Growing up in Minnesota, Valleyfair was the place to be when the weather got warm. It was the destination that every kid graduating junior high looked forward to going on their last day of school, and still is! It was the place that our family went to annually for my Dad’s work company picnics. It was the place I first conquered my fear of roller coasters (at the age of, ahem, 16).
And now, I get to pass the summer Valleyfair tradition on to Bean. Needless to say, she got super excited as we pulled up to the gates…
We took Bean for her first trip to Valleyfair on, lucky for us, the hottest day so far of 2016. Luckily, Valleyfair has Soak City Water Park that includes a family-friendly splash pad that spans nearly an acre. The minute we entered the park gates we made a beeline towards Soak City.
Of course when we stumbled upon Planet Snoopy and Bean spotted the race cars on our way to the water park, we had to make a quick pit stop for a ride.
We reassured Bean that we would come back to Planet Snoopy after we had a cool down and whisked her away to Soak City. We got there right when it opened and it was already packed with people looking to cool off. Did you know that if you’re a season pass holder you get early entry to Soak City?
I couldn’t be more excited to see a splash pad that day. It was 90+ degrees, sunny, and super humid. It took Bean a little time to warm up to the chaos that normally surrounds splash pads, but once she did she had a ball.
Alas, Bean was far too excited to get back to Planet Snoopy, so we bid adieu to Soak City far sooner than I would have liked. Luckily, the clouds started to roll in and give some reprieve from the sun beating down on us as we made our way to ride the race cars for a second time. She could not get enough of the race cars 😉
It had been a few years since I had been to Valleyfair and I was very impressed with the offerings they now have for kids. Planet Snoopy has a lot to offer families with young kiddos, and it’s all conveniently located in one area.
Bean had a blast riding the race cars, semi trucks, train, airplanes, and so much more. We could have spent hours upon hours there. Sadly, the weather took a turn and a strong storm was a brewin’.
We got Bean on as many of the awesome Planet Snoopy rides that we could and then we headed for the car in the nick of time.
Despite the record temps, we all had a blast during Bean’s first trip to Valleyfair. But we couldn’t have done it without packing these five essentials so that we could survive the day:
5 Essentials for Your Next Theme Park Visit
Refillable Water Bottles
Speaking from observing one heat-stroke victim that day, having a supply of water on hand is of the utmost importance. We bring one fresh water bottle per person and refill them throughout the day with cold water at the restaurants available at the park.
Beach Towels
Even if the park you are visiting doesn’t offer a water park feature, chances are there will be water rides. Pack a few beach towels for drying off. They also make a great picnic blanket and a way to save yourself from scorching hot seats.
Sunscreen
This might seem like a no-brainer, but a good reminder nonetheless. On long days spent in the sun, reapply, reapply, REAPPLY sunscreen! Especially when you’re more than likely sweating it off just as fast as you can put it on.
Snacks
With a picky four year old who loves french fries one day and can’t stand them the next, I wasn’t about to waste a penny on expensive park food for her. Although I learned that if you’re a season pass holder at Valleyfair, you get 10% off food and merchandise. We did have lunch at the park, but only my husband and I bought food. I packed plenty of Bean’s favorite snacks and we let her pick off our plates.
Travel Stroller
Bean is on the border of getting too big for her travel stroller, but we’re going to use it as much as we can. We love having storage space for everything that we bring to the park, plus it gives Bean a break from walking. It’s a win/win!
I couldn’t resist documenting all of the fun that Bean had that day. Check out our fun day in the video below:
Have you been to Valleyfair? What’s your favorite park feature or memory? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!
omg snacks and refillable water bottles are soooo essential for a long day. and you don’t want to end up paying a fortune for unhealthy theme park foods
Yes indeed. There is a need to always be ready just in case you get hungry or thirsty after the rides. This way, you dont have to go and look for restaurants.
Yay! So some theme parks allow the guests to bring food, awesome. Here in the Philippines they do not allow us to bring snacks and bottled water, but I’ll do that when we go abroad.
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Looks like you guys had a blast! Great tip about the refillable water bottles
omg snacks and refillable water bottles are soooo essential for a long day. and you don’t want to end up paying a fortune for unhealthy theme park foods
Yes indeed. There is a need to always be ready just in case you get hungry or thirsty after the rides. This way, you dont have to go and look for restaurants.
Yay! So some theme parks allow the guests to bring food, awesome. Here in the Philippines they do not allow us to bring snacks and bottled water, but I’ll do that when we go abroad.